Your contractor just handed you two estimates, and now you’re staring at terms like “fiber cement” and “engineered wood”, wondering which siding material will actually protect your home for the next 30 years.
Here’s the truth: choosing between LP SmartSide vs James Hardie isn’t just about picking the cheaper option. It’s about understanding what you’re really getting for your money, how long it’ll last, and whether you’ll kick yourself in five years when maintenance issues pop up.
Both James Hardie siding and LP SmartSide dominate the premium siding market for good reason. They’ve ditched the problems that plague traditional wood siding and vinyl siding. But they take completely different approaches to get there.
James Hardie and LP SmartSide: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | James Hardie Fiber Cement | LP SmartSide Engineered Wood |
| Material Base | Portland cement and cellulose fibers | Wood strands coated with zinc borate |
| Typical Cost | $8-12 per sq ft installed | $6-10 per sq ft installed |
| Warranty | 30 years | 50 years (5/50 coverage) |
| Fire Rating | Non-combustible | Fire-resistant treated |
| Weight | Heavy (requires extra labor) | Lighter, easier installation |
| Maintenance | Repaint every 10-15 years | Repaint every 10-15 years |
What Makes Each Material Different
James Hardie Fiber Cement Construction
James Hardie built its reputation on fiber cement product technology. The manufacturing process mixes Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers into boards that cure into a material almost as stone-like. Think of it as creating artificial rock that looks like wood.
What makes fiber cement exceptionally resistant to damage:
- Termites can’t eat it. Bugs don’t chew cement.
- Fire can’t burn it. Non-combustible material approved for wildfire zones.
- Water can’t rot it. Moisture doesn’t penetrate the cement composition.
That’s why fire departments and insurance companies prefer it.
LP SmartSide Engineered Wood Composition
LP takes real wood strands from sustainable forestry practices and engineers them into something better than natural wood. The engineered wood composition makes each board stronger than traditional lap siding because the wood strands are oriented for maximum strength.
Here’s what sets it apart: every strand gets coated with zinc borate during the manufacturing process. This treatment goes throughout the material, not just on the surface. Zinc borate kills mold, stops rot, and keeps bugs away. It’s like vaccinating your siding against everything that normally destroys wood.
Durability: Which Siding Brand Actually Lasts?
Both materials solve the problems that destroy vinyl siding and traditional wood. But they handle threats differently.
Fire Protection:
- James Hardie offers superior fire resistance as a non-combustible material
- The Federal Trade Commission’s building material standards recognize fiber cement in this way
- LP SmartSide has fire-resistant treatments, but it’s still technically wood
- If you live in a wildfire-prone area, this difference matters
Moisture Resistance:
James Hardie resists moisture through sheer impermeability. Water can’t rot cement. LP SmartSide engineered wood composition makes moisture resistance part of the material itself through the zinc borate treatment. Neither one will rot like cedar shingles or traditional wood siding.
Impact Damage:
LP SmartSide actually wins here. Drop a ladder against hardie board, and you might crack it. The cement is brittle. LP’s wood composition flexes slightly on impact, so it handles accidents better. You can patch fiber cement with a quality cement patching compound or fix lp siding with matching paint.
Temperature extremes affect them differently, too. Hardie plank expands and contracts with temperature changes, which means installers need to leave proper gaps. LP smartside moves less, which can mean fewer installation headaches.
Cost Considerations
Let’s talk money. James Hardie typically runs $8-12 per square foot installed. LP SmartSide comes in around $6-10 per square foot installed. That 20-30% price difference adds up fast on a whole house.
But installation costs tell only part of the story. James Hardie weighs significantly more than LP siding. That weight means:
- Slower installation speed
- More labor hours required
- Potentially more workers on site
- Some contractors charge extra just for handling fiber cement
LP SmartSide offers easier installation with standard woodworking tools. Contractors can cut it, nail it, and finish it faster. Faster installation means lower labor costs for you.
Both materials need professional installation to maintain warranties. Improper installation voids coverage on either product. Skip the DIY route unless you really know what you’re doing.
If you’re considering other options, vinyl siding installation might offer more room for cost savings, though it won’t match the durability of these premium materials.
Installation Process and Maintenance Requirements
James Hardie Siding Installation Needs
The installation process takes longer because each piece weighs so much. Here’s what contractors deal with:
- Fiber cement-rated saw blades are required
- Pre-drilled nail holes are needed in certain applications
- Heavier pieces require two-person teams
- Touch-up paint becomes critical (chips expose grey cement underneath)
LP SmartSide Installation Benefits
LP SmartSide works more like real wood during installation:
- Standard woodworking tools cut it fine
- Comes pre-primed, ready for paint
- Lighter weight means one-person handling for most pieces
- Faster overall installation times
Long-Term Maintenance
Both require minimal maintenance compared to traditional wood siding. You’ll need to repaint both every 10-15 years to maintain that fresh look. Neither one needs the constant attention that cedar texture siding demands.
Cleaning is simple for both:
- Garden hose and mild soap handle regular cleaning
- Mold and mildew stains wipe away more easily than on natural wood
- No special treatments or sealers needed annually
Curb Appeal: Get The Look You Want
Here’s where personal preference takes over. Both James Hardie and LP SmartSide nail the authentic wood look. They offer lap siding, vertical panels, vertical siding, and shingle siding options.
James Hardie Texture Options:
- More texture variety available
- Hardie Plank lap siding can mimic cedar shingles, smooth boards, or traditional lap siding
- Fiber cement holds fine details well
- Crisp, consistent profile across all boards
LP SmartSide Appearance:
LP SmartSide counters with a wood-like appearance that’s actually closer to real wood because it IS wood. Some homeowners prefer this natural wood look over fiber cement’s artificial texture. The engineered wood takes stain better if you want that option, though most people paint both materials.
Both materials significantly boost your home’s curb appeal compared to cheap vinyl siding. They both offer superior durability, evident in crisp lines and solid profiles. Neither one warps, buckles, or fades like lesser materials.
LP SmartSide vs James Hardie Board Siding FAQs
How long does LP SmartSide really last compared to James Hardie?
Both materials can last 30-50 years with proper maintenance. LP SmartSide offers a 50-year limited warranty, while James Hardie provides 30 years. Real-world performance depends more on installation quality and climate than on the material itself. Both outperform traditional wood siding by decades.
Can I paint LP SmartSide and James Hardie any color I want?
Yes, both materials accept paint beautifully. They come pre-primed from the factory. You can choose any exterior paint color. Both hold paint longer than natural wood because they don’t absorb moisture that causes paint to peel. Plan to repaint every 10-15 years for best results.
Which siding is better for cold climates?
LP SmartSide handles freeze-thaw cycles slightly better because its engineered wood composition makes it more flexible. James Hardie can crack if not installed properly in regions with extreme temperature swings. Both work fine in cold climates when installed by experienced contractors who understand proper spacing and fastening.
Does fiber cement siding really prevent fire damage?
James Hardie fiber cement won’t burn or contribute to fire spread. The material is non-combustible, which can lower insurance premiums in fire-prone areas. LP SmartSide has fire-resistant treatments but isn’t classified as non-combustible. If fire protection ranks as your top priority, fiber cement wins.
So, Which Is the Best Siding For Your Home?
Here’s the reality: choosing the best siding for your home means balancing your budget, climate, and aesthetic preferences against installation timelines and long-term maintenance. That’s a lot to juggle when you’re already stressed about protecting your biggest investment.
Why not let professionals give you honest advice based on your specific situation? We can look at your home, consider your local climate, and recommend the material that makes the most sense. Call us at (402) 983-9200 or message us here to get straight answers about your siding project.